Voting for the cover athlete of the popular Madden football video game has begun, as fans select which players advance in a 16-player bracket.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy are among the 16 finalists for the Madden 15 cover. The former Auburn and Alabama stars are up against Antonio Brown of Pittsburgh and Jimmy Graham of New Orleans, respectively.

Former Crimson Tide running back Shaun Alexander graced the cover of Madden 07 before the series started the fan vote five years ago. A former Auburn player has never been featured on the cover, but Newton advanced to the "final" of the Madden 12 cover vote before falling to Detroit receiver Calvin Johnson.

Voting in Round 1 is underway at ESPN.com. The winner will be revealed June 6, and Madden 15 will be released Aug. 26.